Shady Grove students present 'Grover' upstander program at Wissahickon board meeting

Shady Grove Elementary principal Jim Kelly told the Wissahickon School District board that the school has combined its PBIS, No Place for Hate and upstander lessons into a single, consistent framework built around a mascot story called Grover. "At Shady Grove, we believe that students thrive when they feel seen, respected, and valued," Kelly said.

Kelly introduced assistant principal Jennifer Kennedy and fifth-grade PBIS ambassadors, who described an ambassador selection process that includes an essay, peer recommendation and a one-page resume. Students recited the upstander agreement, explained how Grover stories teach respect and bus safety, and said the three-step response helps peers intervene safely. "An upstander will stand up for someone who's getting bullied," one student said.

The presentation emphasized classroom and schoolwide rituals: posters of the upstander agreement in every room, monthly communications with families, and student-led assemblies. Kelly said the work is meant to create lasting culture change, not an additional initiative. "This is more than just a logo for us. This represents a shared commitment across our entire school community," he said.

Board members praised the students and asked about selection and implementation details. Kelly said the ambassador role is available to all students and includes application components designed to surface leadership, and that staff and PBIS/DEI committees help craft lessons and supports. The board took no formal action on the presentation; the report closed with a photo opportunity and cookies for the students.